| 释义 |
† proˈspective glass Obs.
1. A magic glass or crystal, in which it was supposed that distant or future events could be seen. Also called glass prospective. Also fig.
a1584Tom Thumbe 298 in Hazl. E.P.P. II. 190 This cunning doctor tooke A fine prospective glasse, with which he did in secret looke Into his sickened body downe. c1590Greene Fr. Bacon v. 110 In a glasse prospectiue I will shew Whats done this day in merry Fresingfield. 1609Rowley Search for Money (Percy Soc.) 26 If every conjurer had such a prospective glasse of his owne, they would never deale so much with the Divell as they doe. 1628Milton Vac. Exerc. 71 A Sybil old..That..in Times long and dark Prospective Glass Fore-saw what future dayes should bring to pass.
2. A spy-glass, field-glass, telescope. Also pl. spectacles, binocular glasses. Cf. perspective a. 2.
1626Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 33 The Gunners scale is made in brasse at Tower Hill, with prospectiue glasses. 1672Phil. Trans. VII. 5065 He likewise shew'd his Highness a little Prospective Glass, made according to Mr. Newtons new Invention. 1696tr. Du Mont's Voy. Levant xiii. 168 He frequently observ'd what was done in the City from his Seraglio, by the help of some excellent Prospective-Glasses. 1738Neal Hist. Purit. IV. 22 Discovering by prospective glasses that they were coming down to attack him.
fig.1634Wither Emblemes, Medit. on Pict., A glimpes farre off, through Faith's prospective glasse. 1641Milton Animadv. Wks. 1851 III. 191 These free-spoken, and plaine harted men that are the eyes of their Country, and the prospective glasses of their Prince. 1678Donna Olimpia 150 And with the Prospective Glasses of their Ambition daily surveyed all Italy. |